Riders from across the country gather in unsupported areas to support reconstruction efforts in Niecho, Suzu City
On July 5th, the Japan Riders Forum (JRF) sponsored the Nippon Oen Touring, a volunteer reconstruction effort in Nie-cho, Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The area still bears the scars of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and the restoration of national highways was delayed, making it difficult for aid to reach the area. Eleven riders from all over the country rode their bikes into the disaster-stricken area, working hard to rebuild lives. Their slogan was “Turning the joy of riding into the joy of society.” Their approach, which isn’t just bike touring but one that contributes to society, demonstrates a new value in bike culture.
The riders’ mobility and teamwork helped them remove belongings buried in mud
The riders worked at a private home that sustained extensive damage from a landslide caused by heavy rains last September. The house did not sustain major damage, but the first floor was buried in dried mud, making it difficult to remove the belongings. The participating riders carefully removed each piece of furniture and belongings covered in mud, sorting them as they made multiple trips to the disaster waste collection site in a light truck. Thanks to their excellent teamwork, the work that was initially expected to take several days was completed in just one day. The initiative and teamwork honed on their bikes was fully demonstrated even at sites like this.
A warm exchange with the residents of the disaster-stricken area as they share a lunch box and are treated to turban shells
During the lunch break, the riders spread out their lunch boxes at the Nie Community Center and deepened their interactions with the local residents who had gathered. By hearing directly about the current situation in the disaster-stricken areas and the feelings of the residents, the participating riders gained a stronger sense of the significance of their activities. Towards the end of the work, the homeowner, Mr. M, treated them to turban shells he had caught in the sea in front of the house. As the participants tasted the fresh turban shells, they exclaimed in admiration, “This is the first time I’ve ever tasted such delicious turban shells,” and Mr. M said with a smile, “Once we’ve rebuilt our house, please come back and have a barbecue.” It was a moment when the bonds forged through motorcycles lit a small spark of hope in the community.
“Turning the joy of riding into the joy of society” Japan Support Touring continues
This initiative is not simply a one-off volunteer effort. In 2011, JRF representative Kazama Shinshi traveled by motorcycle through all of the disaster-stricken areas of Tohoku, even visiting areas that were difficult to reach with disaster relief. This led to the MFJ-sponsored “Let’s Ride Tohoku! MFJ Tohoku Reconstruction Support Touring” from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, it was relaunched as the “Nippon Support Touring,” again sponsored by JRF, and this year, it was held nationwide from April 26 to November 2. The Noto tour is a symbolic example of this. It’s the mobility and drive of motorcycles, along with the strong bonds between riders, that allow us to boldly venture into difficult situations. The Nippon Support Touring will continue to transform the “joy of riding” into the “joy of society.” The value of the social contributions that only motorcyclists can make is now clearly spreading.
